The Barred Owl is a large, round-headed owl of eastern forests whose resonant 'who-cooks-for-you' call is one of the most recognizable night sounds in North America. Its brown-and-white barred pattern provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. It has expanded dramatically westward and now competes with the endangered Spotted Owl in the Pacific Northwest.
Best time to see a Barred Owl
The best time to see a Barred Owl is March–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 59,647 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Barred Owl? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Barred Owl sightings near you
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